The Canada Greener Homes Loan continues to offer interest-free financing to help Canadians make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable. This loan is designed to support eligible retrofits that are recommended by an energy advisor and have not yet been started.

Key Features of the Canada Greener Homes Loan:

• Maximum Loan Amount: $40,000
• Minimum Loan Amount: $5,000
• Repayment Term: 10 years, interest-free
• Loan Type: Unsecured personal loan on approved credit

Important Guidelines:

• Do not start any retrofit work before submitting your loan application, as retrofits started before the application are ineligible.
• Up to 15% of the loan can be delivered upfront to cover any deposits required by your contractor.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or non-permanent resident legally authorized to work in Canada.
• The home must be your primary residence and you must own it.
• A pre-retrofit evaluation must be completed and retrofits must not have started.
• You must have a good credit history and meet other specified criteria.

For detailed information and to apply for the loan, visit the Canada Greener Homes Loan page.

Take advantage of this opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency and contribute to a greener future!

*****Click Here For More Details*****

Solar panel and battery storage rebates announced!

***Click Here For More Details***

SUPPORTING SOLAR IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

The British Columbia Government and BC Hydro are entering the solar race. Renewable energy enthusiasts, homeowners, and business owners alike have a lot to look forward to as BC takes monumental steps toward a sustainable future. In many instances, the new programs are the first time for rebates offered by the utility.

The official release by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation says, in part,

“Providing solar rebates is part of Powering Our Future: B.C.’s Clean Energy Strategy, which outlines the actions government is taking to accelerate the shift to clean energy and create new opportunities for people and businesses throughout British Columbia”

(ref: B.C.’s future powered by clean energy | BC Gov News)

BC’S SOLAR POTENTIAL

British Columbia has long been a champion of renewable energy, primarily through its vast hydroelectric resources. However, recent climate change challenges and the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions have prompted the province to diversify its renewable energy portfolio. Enter solar energy—a clean, abundant resource that BC Hydro and the government are now actively promoting. The strategy focuses on building an economy powered by clean energy, creating new jobs and opportunities, and keeping electricity affordable.

WHY SOLAR?

Solar energy has several advantages that make it an attractive option for both residential and commercial use.  Solar PV energy also compliments existing hydro dams, allowing water to be stored for times of high electricity demand thus reducing peak loads. 

Other reasons solar is awesome:

• Clean Energy: Solar power produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, contributing to cleaner air and reduced carbon footprint.
• Energy Independence: By generating your own power, you can reduce dependence on the grid and enjoy more control over your energy costs. At the same time, it reduces demands on the utility to provide that power thus reducing the overall demand on the grid.
• Cost Savings: While the initial investment can be significant, the long-term savings on electricity bills and potential government incentives make solar energy a cost-effective solution.
• Energy Storage: Combining solar with batteries provides reliability and resiliency.

BC HYDRO’S ROLE

BC Hydro is not just a bystander in this revolution; its’ mandate is to produce reliable, affordable and clean electricity. A Crown Corporation, it is guided by an integrated planning process that includes B.C.’s Utilities Commission Act and the Clean Energy Act.   As part of this mandate for reducing greenhouse gas emissions it is actively participating and promoting solar energy through a variety of programs:

1. CALL FOR POWER – SOLAR FARMS
2. LOAD DISPLACEMENT – INDUSTRIAL
3. ENERGY STORAGE INCENTIVE – COMMERCIAL
4. SOLAR PLUS BATTERY STORAGE – RESIDENTIAL
5. SOLAR PLUS BATTERY STORAGE – BUSINESSES

BC HYDRO’S PROGRAMS

1. Call for Power – Solar Farms: This initiative invites proposals for large-scale solar farms to significantly contribute to the province’s renewable energy supply. The 2024 Call for Power Request for Proposals (RFP) is structured to help ensure B.C. has sufficient clean or renewable energy to meet future needs. It aligns with the 2021 Integrated Resource Plan, which indicated the need to acquire approximately 3,000 GWh/year of additional energy as early as late fall 2028.
2. Load Displacement – Industrial: Aimed at industrial sectors, this program encourages factories and large energy-consuming facilities to install solar panels to meet part of their energy needs. Installs must be greater than 100 kW and is for strictly unidirectional power. Maximum incentives can be $1 million for distribution systems and up to $5 million for transmission systems. By offloading some of their power demands to solar,
3. Energy Storage Incentive – Commercial: This program focuses on commercial entities, offering incentives to integrate energy storage solutions with their solar systems. Energy storage systems (ESS) provide reliability and resiliency for businesses and the grid alike while helping to reduce GHG emissions as an alternative to diesel backup generation. Storing energy can help manage peak demand charges, reduce peak loads on the grid and provide electricity during outages.
4. Solar Plus Battery Storage – Residential: Targeted at homeowners, this initiative promotes the combination of solar panels with battery storage systems. By storing excess solar energy, residents can use it during nighttime or cloudy days, enhancing energy independence and resilience against power outages. Rebates are up to $10,000 ($5k for solar and $5K for battery storage).
5. Solar Plus Battery Storage – Businesses: The same solar panel plus battery storage program is extended to schools, businesses, multi-unit residential buildings and others. This program can deliver from $50,000 to $150,000 back to the owners.

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

British Columbia’s solar energy revolution is well underway, with robust support from the government and proactive initiatives from BC Hydro. For renewable energy enthusiasts, homeowners, and business owners, this is an exciting time to explore the benefits of solar power and contribute to a sustainable future.

Ready to join the solar movement? Learn more about the available programs and how you can generate your own power. Let’s harness the power of the sun and make a positive impact on our environment and economy.

Curious about how to get started with solar energy? Contact our team today ([email protected] or https://energyeconomicssolar.ca/contact-us/) to find out more about available incentives and how you can benefit from BC’s solar programs. Let’s power the future together!

Source Link: https://energyeconomicssolar.ca/bcs-solar-energy-revolution/

Canada Greener Homes Program

Greener Homes Grant (NRCan):

The first tranche of funding ($2.6B) for the Canadian Greener Homes Grant was fully subscribed in early 2024.  Applicants that received their APA numbers are still eligible to complete their retrofits and claim the grant, but the program is closed for new applicants.

Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (NRCan):

$800 million over five years, starting in 2025-26, to launch a new Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program that will support the direct installation of energy efficiency retrofits for Canadian households with low- to median-incomes. The budget is clear that this additional $800m is for new NRCan grant funding and is to work with the existing Greener Homes Loan program, but it is now clear that there will be no new grant applications possible in 2024.  This information is found on page 79 of the budget.

Greener Homes Loan (CMHC):

The existing 0% interest, 10yr amortization loan of up to $40,000 is still in place with no change to the application process including pre- and post-audits.  Charge Solar believes that, at the current usage rate, there is sufficient remaining funds for new loan applications through to at least the end of 2024.  We will update our customers as we learn more.  Loan website here.

Investment Tax Credits

Clean Technology ITC:

The Clean Technology ITC provides a 20-30% refundable tax credit for Canadian businesses to invest in clean technologies such as solar and battery storage.  While the eligibility window started in March 2023, the legislation is still working its way through Parliament as Bill C-59.  The budget indicates on page 182 that “With the support and collaboration of Parliamentarians, the government anticipates Bill C-59 receiving Royal Assent before June 1, 2024.”  Further information on the Clean Technology ITC is available on our most recent webinar here.

Clean Electricity ITC:

The Clean Electricity ITC provides a 10-15% refundable tax credit to certain taxable and non-taxable corporations, including corporations owned by municipalities or Indigenous communities, and pension investment corporations who invest in clean electricity generating assets such as solar and battery storage.  The eligibility period started on budget day (April 16, 2024) for projects that did not begin construction before March 28, 2023.  Enabling legislation for this ITC is expected to be introduced later in 2024.

April 19, 2024
Melanie Dorocicz
Link: https://www.chargesolar.com/info-center/latest/2024-budget-key-takeaways-for-canadian-solar-installers/

🔌 BC Hydro Launches Call for Private Wind and Solar Power Producers 🔆 

For the first time in 15 years, BC Hydro is inviting bids from the private sector to address the growing demand for electricity in British Columbia. Crown Corporation announced that it needs an additional 3,000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power the equivalent of 270,000 homes or a million electric vehicles. 

Key Points: 

• Increasing Demand: Demand is forecasted to increase by 15% by 2030, necessitating strategic planning to ensure a continued supply of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. 
• Renewable Energy: BC Hydro is seeking proposals for large-scale wind and solar projects, with capacities ranging from 40 to 200 megawatts, aiming to add 3,000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually by 2028. 
• First Nations Ownership: Successful bids must include a minimum of 25% First Nations ownership, aligning with the goal of fostering economic reconciliation. 
• Resilience and Sustainability: Diversification of the energy mix aims to make the energy system more resilient in the face of extreme weather conditions. 
• Economic Impact: Anticipated to generate between $2.3 billion and $3.6 billion in private capital spending and create between 800 and 1,500 jobs annually, contributing to both economic growth and sustainability in the province. 

BC Hydro launches call for private wind, solar power producers to feed grid 

By Simon Little  Global News 

Posted April 3, 2024, 5:50 pm EST 

2 min read: 

***Video Link***  

For the first time in 15 years, BC Hydro is calling on the private sector to bid on projects to meet the province’s growing need for electricity.   

Crown Corporation said Wednesday that it needs another 3,000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power the equivalent of 270,000 homes or a million electric vehicles. “Demand is forecast to increase by 15 per cent between now and 2030,” Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Minister Josie Osborne said. “Our job in government and BC Hydro’s job is to plan for the future and ensure that we can continue to supply clean, reliable and affordable electricity that people and businesses need.” The utility is calling for the construction of large-scale wind and solar projects, producing between 40 and 200 megawatts, that could be online as early as 2028.  

BC Hydro president and CEO Chris O’Reilly said the competitive process will take a bid’s location and what time of year they produce power into account. “The call for power launching today is one of the most important initiatives we currently have underway,” he said. “It’s a key step to increasing electrification and supporting a growing economy and population across British Columbia, and it will help us ensure that we continue to provide clean, affordable power for generations to come.” Successful bids will also need to have a minimum of 25 per cent First Nations ownership, with the aim of supporting “meaningful economic reconciliation.” First Nations will have access to loans through the Canada Infrastructure Bank to help them buy into the projects, he said.  

The current call for bids will be the first in a series, launching every two years. “Each successive call will be tailored to the system’s needs at the time of the call’s design, depending on our projected needs at that point in time,” O’Reilly said. The move comes as BC Hydro seeks to diversify its energy mix. About 87 per cent of electricity in B.C. is currently generated by hydroelectricity, but a multi-year drought has raised concerns about future generating capacity in dry conditions. Last year, the utility was forced to import power due to low reservoir levels.  

“We know B.C. will continue to see more extreme weather conditions in the years to come and that is why it is important we diversify how we produce electricity by bringing more wind and solar onto the grid, the costs of which have declined dramatically over the past years,” Osborne said. “This will make our energy system more resilient in the years to come.” The province estimates the new power projects will generate between $2.3 billion and $3.6 billion in private capital spending and create between 800 and 1,500 jobs annually. The call for new power sources is in addition to BC Hydro’s own 10-year capital plan, which earmarks $36 billion to expand transmission lines to mines in B.C.’s northwest, build new substations and lines to housing developments and upgrade infrastructure provincewide.  

In Summary, BC Hydro’s recent announcement marks a significant shift as, for the first time in 15 years, they are inviting bids from the private sector to address the growing demand for electricity in British Columbia. With a projected increase in demand by 15% by 2030, Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation Minister Josie Osborne emphasized the importance of planning for the future to ensure a continued supply of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. The call for bids specifically targets the construction of large-scale wind and solar projects, aiming to add 3,000-gigawatt hours of electricity annually by 2028. Notably, successful bids must include a minimum of 25% First Nations ownership, aligning with the goal of fostering economic reconciliation. This initiative not only seeks to diversify BC Hydro’s energy mix but also aims to make the energy system more resilient in the face of extreme weather conditions. Additionally, it is anticipated to generate significant private capital spending and create hundreds to thousands of jobs annually, contributing to both economic growth and sustainability in the province. 

Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/10400506/bc-hydro-private-power-call/amp 

Read MoreSource: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/01/16/news/empowering-communities-and-fossil-fuel-workers-go-green (more…)